“Moses Breaketh the Tables,” created by John Martin in 1833, is a mezzotint on paper belonging to the Romanticism art movement. This religious painting is part of the series “Illustrations to the Bible.” The artwork depicts a dramatic and intense moment from the Biblical narrative where Moses, in a state of divine indignation, breaks the Tablets of the Law upon witnessing the idolatry of the Israelites.
In the artwork, Moses stands atop a rugged and elevated rock formation, his figure illuminated by a radiant light, symbolizing divine anger and authority. Below him, a group of Israelites express visible shock and fear, adding to the scene’s tension and drama. The background features ominous, dark clouds and towering mountains, enhancing the overall sense of grandeur and foreboding. The expressive contrast between light and dark, along with the dynamic composition, exemplifies John Martin’s mastery in evoking emotion and sublime scenery, characteristic of the Romantic period.